Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews and favorites again, I am glad you are enjoying the story and sorry for the long wait. Thanks to all the reviewers for your vehemence towards Edward :) Anyways hope you enjoy this chapter!

WARNING: Mature content in this chapter. A little Jasper/Bella action so if you don't want to read then skip to the end. Otherwise enjoy and let me know how that went because I had a lot of trouble writing an intimate scene and I would love some feedback.

Chapter 11: Intimacy

Jasper cradled his mate to him tightly as he entered the their shared bedroom in the Denali's mansion. He loved having her close to him; the feel of her smooth skin on his, her delicate hands resting against his chest, her strawberry-like scent wafting up to his sensitive nose. She was beautiful… and she was his.

He did not deserve her… she was such a sweet, innocent, beautiful, and strong individual. She deserved someone who wasn't as scarred as him. Someone who didn't have a dark side, someone who wasn't as weighed down by past sorrows as he was. There was no question of him loving her, he loved her with all his soul. But he did not see what she could love in him… He was… monstrous. He was a murderer, he killed thousands; human and vampire alike. How could someone love a man whose hands had shed so much blood?

He glanced down at Isabella. How could she love him?

Self-doubt plagued him. He frowned wondering why he was feeling such uncertainties. He looked inside for the source and found it. It was emanating from Isabella; self-doubt, unworthiness, pain, anxiety, sorrow. The feelings had seeped into his own, enhancing and dragging forth his hidden reservations.

He sat her down on the edge of the bed and turned on some soft classical music so the others would not be able to listen in on their conversation. Jasper kneeled at her feet and gently slid one hand into hers and the other cupped her face.

"What's bothering you?"

She averted her eyes nervously, she was no good at lying.

"Nothing… everything's fine." she replied insincerely.

He sighed and spoke in a whisper, "Don't lie to me darlin', I'm an empath… I can tell when something's upsetting you."

Isabella half glared at him before her eyes clouded with uncertainty and pain. She had told him she was ready for… intercourse… and she was. Sort of. But she was afraid of disappointing him…

Before she was turned she had never partaken in sexual activities with Edward, no matter how much she wanted to because he always said he couldn't control himself and didn't want to risk her safety. As she looked back, she realized she had never had…consensual… sex before. Peter had taken her for the first time brutally and she had never experienced it any other way.

She did not know how to please Jasper in bed, she didn't know how to act or what to do. She knew what sex was but she didn't know how to make it love…

Hesitantly, she peered into his kind golden eyes and tried to bury away her doubts and fears. It wasn't that she was afraid of him, she knew he would never harm her, she was merely afraid of herself. He and Alice, she assumed, had engaged in sexual activities, how could she compare to the vivacious little pixie?

"Jasper… I… " Isabella pleaded, " I just… I've never done… this before," she finished miserably, "I feel like I'm ready but I don't want to disappoint you."

Jasper's face eased into a comforting smile, "Isabella… you would never disappoint me," he leaned over her, pushed her back onto the bed, and placed his hands on either side of her face.

"I love you, just holding your hand makes me happy… all I want is for you to do what you feel comfortable with, nothing more."

"I will take care of you darlin'," he added softly.

For some reason, his words comforted her and eased her fears. She gifted him a grateful smile and indicated with her eyes that he could continue.

His head bent down and his soft lips caught her own, fire raced under her skin. His golden hair brushed over the edge of her face leaving her skin tingling, shocks pulsed through her body originating from where his body touched hers. His lean muscular form was strong, she felt him between her legs. Her body arched up seeking more contact and he groaned sinking his fingers in her silky brown curls.

She felt heat rush from her head to her toes and back again, little shocks of pleasure tickled her. She'd never felt anything so delightful before. Jasper kissed her sweetly and all previous doubts fled like rabbits. This was right. It felt natural and good.

Jasper gripped the hem of her shirt and slid his gentle hands underneath, caressing her skin. She brought her legs up around his waist and snuck her own hands under his shirt, feeling his muscles rippling as he moved. He pulled away from her mouth and trailed his lips down her neck, tenderly nipping and kissing his way down to her collar bone. Gods, his touch was like fire and ice; creating little explosions of pleasure with every touch.

She felt him place a tender kiss in the hollow of her neck before he brought his head back up to face hers. His lovely golden eyes had darkened considerably. They were nearly black with hunger… for her. It sent a shock through her that both scared and pleased her. She had never seen his eyes so dark, so filled with passion and hunger, so powerful. Isabella could simply drown in his eyes. He drew her in and calmed her fears, allowing their sensual sides to take over.

Isabella kept her eyes locked with his as she lifted his shirt over his head, breaking eye contact only for a moment before reclaiming it. He repeated the same for her and both of them let their eyes roam. Jasper's chest was chiseled and fit, littered with faded scars and bite marks that made Isabella hiss in grief. She traced the scars with feather light touches, she was not the only one who had suffered.

Jasper winced as she felt her grief at the sight of his scars. They had always been a sore spot for him. Reminders of the past and his imperfections. The newborns had been relentless and unforgiving in their attacks and he had been the same in his destruction of them. Compassion was nonexistent back then. But now… he allowed his emotions to bud and grow inside him, all emotions. Love, grief, pain, anger, happiness… he enjoyed all of them now because they made him feel human.

At the moment, all he felt was love for the beautiful creature lying underneath him. He wanted her to know that he would do anything for her, he would die for her, kill for her, destroy for her. There was nothing else in the world he cherished more than her. She was his mate, his true love, his other half. And he would show her.

He knew she was nervous about pleasing him… but he did not care about that. He was there to love her. She was broken, even still, and all he wanted was to help her heal. One step at a time.

A physical bond, he knew, would go a long ways in helping her heal again. She was already doing so much better, he had felt her crippling pain when he first met her and the pain she was still holding onto was no where near the intensity that it had previously been. For that he was thankful.

Now he was going to show her how it felt to be loved.

A swell of affection for the sweet vampire tracing the scars on his chest enveloped his heart and he brought his hand around the back of her neck and lifted her head towards his, ensnaring her lips in a passionate kiss. Her hands rested against his chest and he stroked his other hand up her side, feeling her soft smooth skin.

He felt himself harden and he let out a soft groan into her mouth before flipping them around with him sitting on the edge and Isabella's legs curled around his waist. His hands ran up and down her back, dipping down and brushing her jean-clad bottom. They kissed sweetly, enjoying and savoring the taste of each other.

Isabella felt his erection brushing her center and she gasped, surprised. All she knew now was that she wanted him, it didn't matter if she hadn't done this before… the feeling was heavenly and she wanted more. She wanted his hands everywhere, she wanted him inside her. She wanted to make love.

She leaned him back so he was was the one lying on the bed now and she was on top, straddling his waist. She liked the space around her when she was on top, the assurance that she could leave and she wouldn't be held down, that she was in control of her body and actions, and that she was making Jasper gasp in pleasure.

Her hands drifted down his chest to his jeans and she unbuttoned them slowly before tugging and letting them fall to the floor. His erection was prominent through his dark boxers and she slid her own pants off before climbing above him again. His hands came up and caressed her chest as she leaned over him and brushed her center across his length. They both jumped at the shocks of pleasure and seeing Isabella's playful gaze, Jasper softly growled and gripped her hips, slowly grinding up, creating delirious feelings for the both of them.

Gods, he had never felt so good. The sight of his love in only a bra and underwear in front of him was heaven on earth. He breasts were firm and her skin was smooth and pale, like marble. Her golden eyes sparkled and her dark hair shone in the dim light.

"I love you…" he whispered affectionately, thanking the universe for giving him such an incredible mate.

She smiled and he unhooked her bra, freeing her breasts and gently kissed his way up her torso. She moaned.

"Jasper… need.. you… now," she panted softly. He grinned and lifted her. Her legs wrapped around his waist and he crawled to the center of the bed, laying them down. His erection strained against his boxers and he knew it was time.

His fingers tugged her blue cotton underwear off and he brushed over her sensitive spot. She jerked and looked lustfully albeit a bit nervously up at him. He slipped his boxers down and tossed them away, leaning in and stealing a soft kiss before positioning himself at her center.

He hesitated for a second but at her almost imperceptive nod, he slowly entered her, giving her time to adjust to his size. He could feel her clench around him and his lips parted letting loose a gasp. His heavy lidded eyes opened and he looked down at his mate to see how she was faring. Her arms were curled around her chest and her eyes were closed… in pleasure, he felt though, and his mouth curved into a gentle smile.

Her hair was spread out in a halo and he leaned down and brought his lips to hers again as he began moving in and out.

He filled her completely, her walls clenched around him and he didn't know how long he would last. She was beautiful.

His pace quickened and Isabella kissed him fervently, he shifted himself so he was hitting her sensitive spot with every thrust and he felt her pleasure heighten. She was almost ready, he pulled out all the way before thrusting himself back in one last time, completely enveloping his length inside her, and they felt the wave of intense pleasure crash over them as they came together.

"Fuck Isabella…"

They panted heavily, relaxing, seeing stars, and he snuck his arms around her, shifting them to their sides so he could hold her as close as possible with him still inside her. Their eyes closed in bliss. His hand stroked her hair and he placed a sweet kiss on her light pink lips. He smiled affectionately when she opened her lovely golden eyes.

"You are amazing…" he whispered.

She smiled shyly, "So are you Jasper."

He tenderly hugged her petite form against his hard body and grinned. He loved this woman.

Jasper sent his love through their bond to her, needing her to feel how satisfied and happy he was. She chuckled and snuggled into his chest, placing soft kisses on his torso.

His length was still blissfully warm inside her and at her innocent touches he could feel himself hardening again inside her. Isabella felt him and she gave out a full blown laugh, it was the first time he had heard her really laugh before. Not just a chuckle or giggle, but a bell-like laugh that was heaven to his ears. He grinned, hardly believing how happy they were.

Her playful voice brought him back, "Already?" she laughed again. He could get used to that laugh.

He smirked and kissed her sweetly, "What can I say darlin'? You are just too damn attractive…" he murmured huskily.

Lust sparked again in her eyes, and he knew he wanted to see that gaze forever.

Isabella couldn't believe how incredible that had been. Jasper had given her such a gift, she had never known such pleasure existed. Her golden haired protector was perfect. And she loved him with all her heart. Her sorrows and pain were forgotten with this one event. The holes in her heart knitted together and all she felt now was overwhelming love for this beautiful man who adored her.

She felt, playful, and happy, and it was all because of him. With him hard inside her again, she knew their day was far from over.

"Well what are you waiting for?" she purred, leaning in close and dragging her lips across his jaw.

His length twitched inside her and she smiled to herself. This was love.

Jasper flipped them over so he was leaned above her again and kissed her hungrily and smiled against her lips when her hands wrapped around his neck. And they went again.

Adam and Alice sat curled on their bed, chuckling over Jasper's and Isabella's… activities. But ultimately, they were happy for them. They knew the new couple needed the physical bond as well as the mental.

Alice was still a bit upset over Isabella though, and it hung like a cloud over her, dampening her jovial mood. She felt guilt, and she knew it would not go away any time soon. She couldn't even say she wanted it to, because she deserved it. She had abandoned her sister and best friend all those years ago. Then she hadn't even checked up on her to see if she was doing alright. And she wasn't. Isabella was being killed from the inside out. Her body and soul were being broken while they pretended not to care.

Alice cried.

Adam pulled the little pixie into his lap, knowing what she was thinking of. He could hardly believe that his loving mate had left his newfound sister. He was a little outraged at it but he knew Alice cared for her and it was a mistake that she was paying the consequences for. He loved her anyways. Adam shushed her sobs and held her protectively.

"Have you ever betrayed someone you loved Adam?" her small voice asked him.

"No…" he answered, he had never betrayed a loved one before. The thought was vile to him. That his mate had done so only made him sad for her. He could not imagine betraying a loved one. The only one he felt he had let down was his sister, but he did not betray her. He just couldn't save her. And he would get revenge for her.

"Alice, you may have betrayed Isabella, but you have the chance to make it up to her now. She will forgive you because she loves you, just as you love her. It will take time." he assured softly.

She nodded against his shoulder.

"You're right… I really do need to talk with her soon though. I'm not very good at waiting." she admitted.

He chuckled, thinking of her dragging him into her bed just a day after they bonded, "So I've noticed."

She slapped him lightly on the chest, if she could blush she would.

Alice jumped out of his arms, wanting to go out and get away from her guilty thoughts.

"Let's go shopping Adam," she announced smiling mischievously.

He agreed unaware of his pixie's infamy for shopping and buying things. He was going to learn what shopping really meant. Whether or not he would regret it would remain to be seen.

Volterra

Aro was seated in his study, worrying over his latest decision to send Isabella back to Washington. He would be sending someone soon to check on her, perhaps Jane. He knew she was fond Isabella and she would assure that if his princess had been harmed then the violators would be duly punished.

The Volturi had missed Isabella's presence over the past few weeks. What was that saying?… Absence makes the heart grow fonder. They had loved Isabella and her absence was a blow to all of them. But it had been necessary. She was broken and miserable, and she couldn't have fixed it if she stayed with them. As painful as it was to say, they could not have helped her.

Aro knew Isabella's mate was in Washington, the seer had foreseen it and he had been delightfully surprised to learn that it was the young God of War that was to hold her heart instead of the impudent mind-reader.

He snarled to himself. When Isabella returned to Volterra, Aro would make sure the mind- reader was disposed of. Properly. And he would not have a quick death.

Over the years Aro had learned ways to torture vampires… some were so painful he winced at the thought of them and he reserved those for ones who truly deserved them. Edward Cullen was one who deserved the most painful of torture methods.

Their princess would have vengeance and she would come home to them unharmed and whole.

He stood and strode down to the receiving hall where he called for Jane and Alec.

They arrived within moments and he smiled at them.

"I think it is time we check on our dearest Isabella…"

They shared a glance before bowing and disappearing to their rooms, changing into their formal guard wear before departing.

Aro clapped his hands together, excitedly anticipating Isabella's return. Then he retired to his bedroom where Sulpicia waited.

You will be safe and home soon dearest…

Jasper and Isabella lay in post-coital bliss a few hours later. She was curled in his tender embrace, soft sheets covering their naked bodies.

Jasper lay comfortably beside his mate, his golden wavy hair drifted in front of his eyes. He wanted to stay like this forever; holding her, loving her. He was so proud of her, she was nearly whole again with him. She would still be reserved around his family and other vampires but knowing that he made her feel whole and happy was… perfect.

Isabella wished vampires could sleep, she wanted to be able to curl up and sleep in his arms. But it was also nice not needing to sleep because that meant she would never get tired. Jasper caressed her bare shoulder and placed a soft kiss on it, she knew from that gesture that he was drawing away from their peaceful state and would be arming himself for more confrontations with the family.

She sighed and kissed him lightly before slipping out of bed and drawing her clothes on while he did the same.

No words needed to be said, they knew they couldn't hide out in here forever no matter how appealing the idea seemed. So they mentally prepared themselves for speaking with the rest of the Cullens. Both Jasper and Isabella hoped that Edward would be absent for some reason… any reason really. They did not want to deal with him after intimating their bond.

Before opening the door, Jasper pulled Isabella into his arms and buried his golden head in her dark hair, breathing in her scent mixed with his.

"I love you Isabella…"

She smiled into his neck, "And I love you Jasper…"

How she would love to run away with him and leave the Cullens behind. She hugged him fiercely before reluctantly leaving his embrace.

"Let's go," she whispered, and they headed down hand in hand to face the family again.